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A Review of Potential Cementing Systems for Sealing and Support Matrices in Deep Borehole Disposal of Radioactive Waste

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  • Nicholas Charles Collier

    (Deep Borehole Disposal Research Group, Immobilisation Science Laboratory, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK)

  • Neil Brennan Milestone

    (Callaghan Innovation, 69 Gracefield Road, PO Box 31310, Lower Hutt 5040, New Zealand)

  • Karl Patrick Travis

    (Deep Borehole Disposal Research Group, Immobilisation Science Laboratory, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK)

Abstract

Cementitious grouts are being developed for use as sealing and support matrices (SSMs) in deep borehole disposal (DBD) where temperatures do not exceed 190 °C. They will seal radioactive waste containers into the bottom 2 km of holes drilled up to 5 km deep into the crystalline basement. The temperature and pressure is likely to be similar to those in hydrocarbon and geothermal energy wells, where grout placement and durability are affected. This paper reviews the potential cementing systems suitable for this application and explains why a single solution of a formulation of Class G oil well cement, silica flour, water, fluid loss additive, and retarding admixture has been selected. This type of formulation has been used extensively for over 100 years in well cementing. It should provide the short-term performance and durability required for an SSM, maintaining the seal around the waste packages within the disposal zone long after the boreholes are sealed back to the surface, and thus augmenting the safety case for DBD.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicholas Charles Collier & Neil Brennan Milestone & Karl Patrick Travis, 2019. "A Review of Potential Cementing Systems for Sealing and Support Matrices in Deep Borehole Disposal of Radioactive Waste," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-15, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:12:p:2393-:d:241901
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nasvi, M.C.M. & Ranjith, P.G. & Sanjayan, J., 2013. "The permeability of geopolymer at down-hole stress conditions: Application for carbon dioxide sequestration wells," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 1391-1398.
    2. Bates, E.A. & Driscoll, M.J. & Lester, R.K. & Arnold, B.W., 2014. "Can deep boreholes solve America׳s nuclear waste problem?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 186-189.
    3. Mohamed M.C. Nasvi & Ranjith P. Gamage & Sanjayan Jay, 2012. "Geopolymer as well cement and the variation of its mechanical behavior with curing temperature," Greenhouse Gases: Science and Technology, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 2(1), pages 46-58, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Dirk Mallants & Karl Travis & Neil Chapman & Patrick V. Brady & Hefin Griffiths, 2020. "The State of the Science and Technology in Deep Borehole Disposal of Nuclear Waste," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-7, February.

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